Nothing but net! Gates sends Panthers to 2-0

It wasn't always pretty but it really didn't need to be pretty as the Albany Panthers moved to 2-0 on the season after a 40-37 victory over the Columbus Lions. Kicker Ryan Gates made a 28 yard field goal with 1.9 seconds left to give the Panthers the three point win.

The game began shaky as the Lions held the Panthers scoreless in the first quarter. Albany did manage to take a 14-13 lead going into halftime on a 1 yard rush by Derrick Wimbush and a short pass from Cecil Lester to Clinton Rafe.

The second half began with a huge defensive play by Corey Rue who tipped and intercepted Marcus Jones' and returned it back to the Lions' two hard line. Lester scored on a 1 yard rush shortly after to make it a 22-13 lead.

Columbus seemed to have an answer for every Panthers' score and had a four point lead late in the forth quarter when Lester hit a crossing Antwontis Cutts for 6. Albany took a 3 point lead. Lions' kicker Chandler Brooks tied the game with just over 12 seconds left. On Albany's ensuing possession, Lester found John Harris on a quick hitter. Harris picked up big first down yardage and was taken down in Columbus territory before Gates sent the Panthers to 2-0 with his 28 yard kick.